The TR8 Odotracker is an infield odour tracking station analyzer that has been developed by Scentroid.

The Scentroid OdoTracker is a multi-sensor device that measures the concentrations of two chemicals in ambient air at the same time. The chemicals to be measured by the device are specified at the time of ordering. For example, the user may specify the measurement of Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) at ppb-level and Ammonia (NH3) at ppm-level. The instrument logs the chemical measurements as well as temperature and humidity of the sample, GPS location, and automatically transfers all data to the user’s supplied smart Android device via Bluetooth.

Full TR8 Kit

Includes a sampling pump, two chemical sensors that are specified at the time of ordering, and Scentroid’s OdoTracker Application that can be loaded to any customer supplied Android phone/tablet. For each sample location, Scentroid instantaneously records:

• The concentration of two chemical vapours in ppm or ppb depending on sensors ordered
• Temperature and humidity
• The GPS position of each measurement
• Continuously for remote monitoring via Bluetooth

For more information on the TR8 Odotracker, click here!

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The process of analyzing the responses of odour(s) using human subjects (assessors). The responses can be used to determine the odour concentration of odour intensities or the hedonic tone of the odour. Assessors will use a series of devices known as olfactometers.

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The inability or decreased ability to perceive an odour as continued exposure to that odour increases over time. An odour may initially be strongly detectable but may diminish completely in a few minutes. Hydrogen sulphide is an example of a chemical that emits a rotten egg smell, but depending on concentration and exposure time, the rotten egg smell will no longer be perceived even though it is still present. Olfactory fatigue is not desired during olfactometry analysis or ambient odour monitoring.

During ambient odour monitoring, it is desired to provide rest periods in a neutral environment compared to the one odour is present if possible.  An example may include a vehicle, which may act as a separate environment to the one ambient odour monitoring is taking place. Perfumeries use coffee bean odour to ‘reset’ the olfactory sense.  Also, having neutral odourless air to be smelled for a few minutes may help reset the olfactory sense.

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EN13725 defines the following criteria for panellist screening:

• Have a detection threshold of n-butanol between 20ppb to 80ppb
• requires the assessor to be at least 16 years of age
• must be motivated and diligent to carry out duties
• available for the complete measurement session
• participated sufficiently to build a history of measurements
• may not eat, drink (except water), or smoke 30 min before the measurement
• not create interference from personal hygiene or perfume products
• refrain from participating in measurements if the assessor’s perception of odour is diminished (i.e. cold, allergies, etc.)
• assessors will remain in the odour room for 15min prior to beginning measurement to adapt to the room
• Panel members shall not communicate or influence one another

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A graphical tool that shows the direction and speed of wind for a specific location over a specified time period. Since wind is a transporter of odour, wind roses are an invaluable tool for determining how an odour from a source(s) could potentially be transported into a community. Wind roses can be used to help determine an effective odour monitoring plan.

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How Do We Smell?

Our sense of smell is governed by the olfactory bulb located in the forebrain of vertebrates. This is found high up in our noses. Small patches of tissue known as the olfactory epithelium contain millions of receptor neurons, operating as sensory signalling cells. The olfactory system is responsible for analyzing molecules located in the air and translating this data utilizing these nerve signals into the brain to be processed.

Just like taste, both senses rely on the perception of molecules. Olfaction is one of the most powerful senses, as our sense of smell allows us to detect the flavours in the food we eat. Studies have proven that olfaction is amazing enough to even trigger memories and influence our moods or behaviour! These systems are so complex, that humans are capable of detecting at least one trillion distinct scents.

The Advent of Olfactometers

In 1870 Germany, the concentration of odours was known as Olfaktometrie, which helps to quantify the human sensory experience of odours according to substance concentration, intensity, quality, and even a hedonic assessment.

Today, an olfactometer establishes a sense of odour concentration. It employs a group of human panellists, a diluted odorous mixture, and an odour-free gas N-Butanol (click here to see N-Butanol in our product lineup) to serve as a reference point. These are presented through sniffing ports to a series of panellists, who have already been perceived as odour sensitive. Odour samples are generally collected and stored in odour free sample bags that are sealed firmly to prevent degradation. Typically, any component which comes into contact with the sample must be odour free.

In comparing the smell emitted from each port, and through increasing the dilution of gas, the panellists are asked to repeat the test. This continues until the panellist responds with certainly and correctly twice in a row. It is through these responses that a single odour unit can be calculated.

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